Available at

Modal Header

Kate McKay had doubts about swapping her high-powered life in Manhattan for Wolfert’s Roost, the quaint Hudson Valley village where she grew up. But when she moves back to care for her ailing grandmother, Kate decides to start fresh and indulge her dream of running an ice cream shop. All goes smoothly—until she’s reunited with old acquaintances nuttier than a vat of rocky road . . .

Kate should be thrilled about opening Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe in the heart of town. Instead her spirits melt like soft serve in the summer when she learns that her childhood frenemy, Ashley Winthrop, has started selling frozen treats in the bakery across the street. Turns out, Ashley hasn’t sweetened since high school. And, once again, she’s game for some very unfriendly competition . . .

But before Ashley can kill Kate’s new business, someone kills Ashley—stabbing her to death inside the bakery. Worse, the murder occurs right after the two rivals drew crowds with a heated argument, leaving half of Wolfert’s Roost speculating that Kate was finally pushed over the edge . . .

With rumors swirling and her reputation in serious trouble, Kate is determined to get the real scoop on the crime—even if it means joining forces with a former flame. As she pieces together clues to a chilling scandal, Kate soon realizes that she’ll need way more than a sprinkle of wit if she wants to expose the killer and live to see another sundae . . .

“Decadent, deadly, and delightful! Murder with a Cherry on Top is a charmer of a cozy mystery. A delicious read that left me hungry for more.”
—Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author

“Murder with a Cherry on Top is a sweet treat. I loved everything about the Hudson Valley setting, from the small-town ice cream shop to the organic cows. Cynthia Baxter's characters feel real enough to touch and her descriptions are mouthwatering. This book is best read with a spoon and a tub of ice cream nearby.”
—Laurien Berenson, author of Ruff Justice

“Ice cream lovers and mystery fans alike will gobble up this charming cozy featuring ice cream store owner and aficionado, Kate McKay. Chock full of mouthwatering ice cream treats, a clever plot twist, and a dollop of romance, Murder with a Cherry on Top is an absolutely yummy read!”
—Laura Levine, author of Death of a Bachelorette

“Wake up, Rip Van Winkle! Katy McKay’s returned to the Hudson Valley and is mixing up sweet ice cream treats, rekindling an old romance, and solving a sticky murder. Cynthia Baxter’s Murder with a Cherry on Top is every bit as delicious as a hot fudge sundae, and I can’t wait for a second helping!”
—Leslie Meier, author of Turkey Trot Murder

About Cynthia Baxter:

Cynthia Baxter is the author of fifty-three novels. Her books have been translated into German, Swedish, and Danish. Born and raised on Long Island, she currently resides on Long Island, New York. Her favorite ice cream flavors are Peach, Coconut, and Chocolate Hazelnut. Readers can visit her website at cynthiabaxter.com.